COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Sixteen University of Michigan student-athletes were named All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) on March 31.

"The advantages of strength training and conditioning cannot be denied in collegiate and high school athletics," said Alan Kinniburgh, executive director of the NSCA said. "These student-athletes attest to this understanding and are to be applauded for their hard work and dedication."

This year, the NSCA awarded 225 collegiate and high school athletes from 90 schools with the honor. The program recognizes collegiate athletes whose athletic accomplishments, in the opinion of the strength coach, reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning. These athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments as well as their integrity as student-athletes.

This is the third year in which student-athletes from Michigan have received the award.

Strength coach Jason Cole on Brooke Bolender... "Brooke made an immediate impact on our tennis team upon her arrival on campus last year. She had a great understanding of how strength training can have a positive impact on her game, and she's embraced it."

Strength coach Lew Porchiazzo on Matthew Campbell... "Matt is an exceptional athlete. Along with his physical talents, he is focused and self-driven with a relentless determination to get better. Matt is a leader for our sprint group, and a leader in the weight room."

Strength coach Katlyn Haycock on Kristyne Cole... "Kristyne demonstrates great enthusiasm and dedication in and out of the pool. As a team tri-captain, Kristyne is an integral member of the Michigan women's swimming and diving team. Her commitment to strength and conditioning as an individual athlete, as well as a team leader, has made significant impact on the unity of the team, especially the distance group."

Strength coach Jason Cole on Coley Crank... "Coley is an example of what we expect from our seniors at Michigan. He dedicated himself to training this offseason and made tremendous improvements. He came into the fall season in the best shape of his career, and his strong work ethic served as an example to our underclassmen."

Strength coach Lew Porchiazzo on Jaclyn Crummey... "Jaclyn's commitment to physical preparation and her coachable attitude throughout the offseason has allowed her to make gains that helped her excel this season. Along with making gains related to strength and conditioning, she has established a leadership role on and off the field. Her dedication to her training, teammates and community makes her a deserving candidate for this award."

Strength coach Bo Sandoval on Ethan Dennis... "Ethan is a product of long-term quality training. Ethan has continued to make physical and technical improvements over the past three years which have dramatically enhanced his ability to throw the hammer. Ethan has a very focused, quiet, yet intense demeanor when he trains."

Strength coach Timothy Dombrowski on Craig Forys... "I am proud to nominate Craig Forys for NSCA All-American honors. Craig exhibits great leadership on and off the course. Craig has a great work ethic and great understanding of the importance in the weight room, and how it correlates to his running performance. His hard work and dedication in the weight room was exhibited on the course. I am proud to have worked with Craig during his senior campaign."

Strength coach Emily Enos on Thomas Jahnke... "Thomas displayed relentless dedication and enthusiasm during the preseason and continued his hard work throughout the year. He demonstrates a drive to improve each and every day. In just a short time, he has shown his commitment to training in the weight room, and his passion to become a better diver for the University of Michigan men's swimming and diving team."

Strength coach Emily Enos on Amanda Lohman... "Amanda demonstrates true leadership and dedication on and off the diving board. She has worked extremely hard from the offseason training through the entire year, which has paid dividends in her diving. Her hard work and effective leadership have helped the divers to become a more cohesive unit, as evident by her election as co-captain. Amanda's passion for improvement, as well as her outstanding attitude, allow for success in all aspects of her life."

Strength coach Katlyn Haycock on Dan Madwed ... "Dan is a significant contributor to the men's swim team, both in and out of the water. As a five-time All-American, 14-time Big Ten champion and school and conference record-holder, Dan is a driving force behind the program's success. A team captain, Dan serves as a role model to his teammates through his dedication to training in the water and in the weight room."

Strength coach Jon Sanderson on Jordan Morgan... "Jordan has a great work ethic, and great character. He has completely transformed his body, and has become a very powerful and athletic starter for our men's basketball team."

Strength coach Jon Sanderson on Carmen Reynolds... "Carmen is a very dedicated student-athlete with a great work ethic. She has excelled on the court for our women's basketball team, and is a great role model for her teammates."

Strength coach Mike Favre on Kellen Russell... "Kellen has continually demonstrated his leadership and commitment to the strength and conditioning program as well as with the wrestling program as a whole. His positive attitude and relentless effort to his physical preparation have been instrumental to the numerous personal records he established this past offseason, not to mention two national titles. Kellen's leadership was paramount in helping his team personal bests within the strength and conditioning program, as well."

Strength coach Mike Favre on Clare Stachel... "Clare has continually demonstrated her leadership and dedication to strength and conditioning, as well as with the soccer program as a whole. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic contributed to numerous personal records established by her and her team this last offseason, and preseason in all areas of strength and conditioning. Her unyielding commitment and adherence to her physical preparation, both on and off the field, have been instrumental to her becoming a team captain and a major contributor to the team's success."

Strength coach Timothy Dombrowski on Danielle Tauro... "I am proud to nominate Danielle for NSCA All-American honors. Danielle is a highly driven and highly motivated athlete whose work and dedication during training was displayed in her achievement on the cross country course. She was named 2011-12 Great Lakes Region Athlete of the Year, earned first team All-Big Ten honors, and was named Academic All-Big Ten."

Strength coach Bo Sandoval on Alexandria Williams... "Alex has become a true competitor. She is dedicated to her training both on and off the track. In the weight room, Alex is an unbelievably hard worker and sets a great example for her younger teammates."